We’ve been in the furniture retail business since 1973.
After years of serving the beautiful community of Gibson’s and the Sunshine Coast, Kerns Furniture has transformed into Coast Furniture Direct.
It all started in 1973, with Walter Kern—an electrician with a knack for fixing TVs in his spare time.
Walter’s entrepreneurial spirit quickly evolved his evening hobby into a thriving business, joined by his wife Beryl, who was making her mark in Clayton’s produce department. The couple began their retail adventure in a modest showroom in the Maragos building, adjacent to Andy’s Restaurant, where Walter sold and rented TVs and stereos. Their offerings expanded by 1975 to include appliances and furniture, necessitating a move to a larger space in Seaview Place—a place that became more than just a store; it became a community hub.
By 1985, their ambitions led them to purchase a property at 771 Gibsons Way, envisioning it as a community cornerstone. This location, known as The Plaza, grew into a landmark, hosting various businesses and becoming a vibrant community center. Over the years, Kerns Furniture transcended its role as a retail store to become a community cornerstone. Walter and Beryl not only invested in their business but also contributed over a million dollars to local charities. Despite facing personal challenges, including Walter’s health issues, Beryl stepped up to lead their business, continuing their legacy of community commitment and service.
Today, Sandra is instrumental in evolving Kern’s business through innovative programs and collaborative partnerships.
Her leadership shone brightly in 2020 with the launch of Kern’s offshoot business, Thank You Heroes, a home decor program open to all Canadian first responders, military, law enforcement, and healthcare workers and their families.
This initiative earned a nomination alongside Style In Form for the Excellence in Collaboration Award at the Vancouver Board of Trade’s Business Reinvention Awards. This recognition highlighted businesses that adapted and showed remarkable resilience, particularly during the challenging times of 2020. Sandra’s efforts demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to business, underscoring her ability to navigate and excel in dynamic environments.
Sandra, building on her parents’ legacy, continues to re-imagine the family business for a new era. Our new model retains the essence of personal connection and community service that defined Kerns, while innovating to meet today’s consumer needs with personalized, direct-from-wholesaler services. We are proud of our roots, and we are excited about our future. Join us as we continue to write our story, helping you create beautiful living spaces with a personal touch that has been our hallmark for over fifty years.
“Business owner receives nod from the Vancouver Board of Trade.”
“Kern’s offshoot business, Thank You Heroes, was nominated alongside Style In Form for the Excellence in Collaboration Award at the trade board’s inaugural Business Reinvention Awards, recognizing “businesses who have reinvented, adapted, and shown resiliency in the face of all challenges and barriers in 2020.”